If Only You Knew

SIX

The night was still going strong and the group had relocated to the lounging area of the bar. Some people took turns playing pool, while the rest of us gathered around the couches to enjoy a lively game of Werewolf. For the second time in a row, I had been randomly cast as a werewolf. My partners in crime this time were Brian, and Prashan, another friend of Shawn and Hussein. 

In this role play, our goal was to skillfully eliminate as many villagers as possible without raising any suspicion or getting voted out. I honed my acting skills mostly from the buzz of alcohol coursing through me, and I had managed to conceal my true identity from the other so far. Hussein had volunteered to be our moderator, and captivated us with his natural gift for storytelling. Tensions were high, there was one more villagers to get before our pack of werewolves could win this round.

- Alright folks, it wasn't a peaceful night. The werewolves made a feast out of one of the villagers. The medic protected yet again the wrong villager, and our seer, is either really scared by the werewolves, or not really good at seeing...

Laughter and banter bursted and I joined in the laughter while carefully observing everyone. These trivial moments could help me identify potential threats but also be a tell for others of my true identity.

- So, last night, our most talented, our very own resident superstar, Shawn, was heartlessly murdered. Werewolves, ironically, showed no mercy, Hussein said proudly, causing another wave of giggles.
- Really not nice guys, Shawn said a noticable slur in his words.
- Shawn, reveal your identity to us please.
- I was the seer, he bashfully admitted. 

Brian stood up, completely bluffing being upset. Again, the banter bounced around and it was hard to tell if people were buying in his performance. The game progressed with playful accusations and drunken debates, and I chimed in, pretending to have intuitive insights. My fellow werewolves and I also accused one another in an attempt to diverge any suspicion on a possible alliance. In the end, we collectively voted to eliminate Chloe, our collateral damage, and we went on another round of shenanigans.

- The sun sets and the moon rises yet again, and the village falls into a deep slumber, Hussein narrated. In the dead of the night, our werewolves creep out of the shadows to pick their dinner.

I cautiously opened my eyes, making sure not to give away any hint of movement. My gaze fell directly into Shawn's, who sat right across from me. He tilted his head slightly, with a smirk dancing at the corner of his mouth, now witness to my mischief. From his amused expression, it seemed that he was surprised to my deceitful game and shook his head, falsely disappointed. I gave him a light shrug, not feeling any remorse to have fooled him.

The red lighting cast a mysterious shadow on his face. His dark eyes, locked onto mine, caused a flutter through my entire body. For a second, I saw his eyes dropped to my lips before returning to meet my eyes again, turning this silent exchange into a seductive game. A tingling sensation ran through my spine and I felt my heart speed up in my chest. I greww self conscious and shifted in my seat. Was I imagining all of this or was it the alcohol?

- Werewolves please put us out of our misery, pick your victim, Hussein called out.

His voice abruptly cut through my trance, and I shook my head to clear my mind. I turned my attention to Brian and Prashan who were subtly nodding towards Sarah, Prashan's girlfriend. I nodded back as a silent agreement and with the deed done, we closed our eyes, waiting for the game to conclude. 

My mind spun with intrusive memories, somehow all centered around Shawn and I most intimate moments. I mentally swore to stop drinking for the rest of the night before I could make a fool of myself. With our final victim down, us werewolves secured the victory at everybody's surprise. Brian, Prashan and I celebrated with an improvised victory dance, and we all agreed to bring the game to a close, as some of people were ready to call it a night.